They say there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing – and it’s true.

If you’ve got all the gear, there’s no reason not to make the most of the great outdoors whatever the weather.

If you’re a regular follower of the blog you’ll know we’re quite an outdoorsy family: we live by the sea and close to the South Downs National Park, we have an allotment and we have family in both the New Forest and Dorset too.

If you’re a regular follower of the blog you may also have seen my post on 5 easy ways to raise money for BBC Children in Need this year, which includes buying a Pudsey bobble hat (50% of the proceeds go to Children in Need) and putting your #HatsOn and getting involved in a BBC Countryfile Ramble.

Being an outdoorsy family this year’s campaign is right up our street so, when outdoor specialists Blacks, who are supporting the campaign and helped create the special Countryfile Ramble hat, got in touch and offered to help get us ramble ready there was no excuse not to get involved. So, what do Blacks have to offer?

Getting ready to ramble for BBC Children in Need

As well as our Pudsey bobble hat Blacks kitted both Misery Guts and I out with our rambling essentials: waterproof jackets and walking boots. Although we do lots of walking, I’ve never actually owned a proper pair of walking boots before, so this was a revelation. There are lots of walking boots to choose from including women’s Berghaus walking boots from one of the names in outdoor gear, but I’ll be honest – I went for a pair of women’s North Face walking boots (£100) because I liked the colour: purple. Aren’t they fun?

It quickly transpired they’re so much more than a bright pair of walking boots though: they’re made from Gore-Tex to ensure dryness and breathability in all conditions, and they’ve got self-cleaning ‘lugs’ in the sole which bite deep into the ground to keep you stable and in control with each step you take – perfect for muddy forest walks like ours!

I went for one shoe size bigger than my normal size which was the right thing to do as I can wear them with a nice thick pair of socks for added warmth and comfort.

When it comes to jackets there’s a host of women’s winter jackets to choose from. I love a parka (you can’t beat a fur hood) so opted for this Technicals women’s Polar Parka (£150). It’s marketed as ideal for transitioning from town to countryside during the autumn and winter, so perfect given we live in a city and often travel to the countryside.

Totally waterproof, the fabric has a water repellant treatment for extra wet weather protection and a fixed hood with a removable fur trim. There’s a drawcord at the waist so you can cinch it in, and there are lots of little details including Velcro adjustable cuffs with ribbed inner fabric (so no draughts getting up your arms) and zipped pockets for all the things you need to be easily accessible when you’re out and about with little ones, like tissues for their ever-runny noses.

Misery Guts, meanwhile, went for a men’s Berghaus waterproof jacket (£110) with adjustable hood and cuffs. It’s super lightweight with a central zip and two front zip pockets, and roomy so you can wear a nice warm jumper underneath.

The jacket has a ‘hyrdoshell’ exterior making it completely waterproof and at the same time breathable, just the job when you’ve walked up a sweat.

He teamed his jacket with a pair of brown Brasher men’s walking boots (£155), again one size bigger than his normal shoe size to allow for walking socks.

With a heritage-inspired design they’ve got a waterproof ‘E-vent’ membrane system to keep surface water away, and uppers made from premium deep cut leather for lasting performance.

They’re sold as having exceptional cushioning with each step, and Misery Guts describes it as feeling like he’s walking on springs – in a good way!

So, as you can see, we’re now ramble ready for BBC Children in Need and there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Like they say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!

Are you taking part in a ramble for BBC Children in Need this year? Has this post inspired you to get involved? If you’d like to know more you can find your nearest ramble here.

The brands included in this post asked for our opinion on the products featured from their range. All thoughts and opinions are our own and based on our own honest experience.

If you liked this you may also enjoy reading:

Win a Paddington 2 Christmas bundle worth £25!

The truth about hand, foot & mouth disease

10 fun ways to exercise as a family

Linking up with these fabulous blogs!